Air France rolls out new medium-haul cabins

Air France will be progressively rolling out its new medium-haul cabins on board its fleet of A319s.

24 narrowbody A319 will be fitted out in the first half of 2015, with a further 25 to be completed by the same time next year. In total 7,800 new seats will be installed.

The airline has invested some 50 million euros to redesign the new cabin, with leather seats being introduced for economy and business class customers. Other improvements include free hot meals on medium-haul flights lasting over two hours.

In addition, Air France is introducing a new “Economy Flex” fare that delivers more flexibility and efficiency for its customers.

Notably, the new fare class will offer:

Refundable and modifiable tickets

One piece of baggage up to 23kg to be checked into hold. In the cabin, one bag and an accessory (handbag, laptop, camera) are allowed for a total weight of 12kg.

Access to Sky Priority channels, ensuring a fast service at the airports

A guaranteed seat at the front of the economy cabin

200 per cent miles are earned as part of the airline’s Flying Blue loyalty program

"We need to be offensive to win the battle on medium-haul routes. With these new cabins, we aim to be among the best in the world. Winning the preference of each customer on departure from Europe is now a strategic priority of our Perform 2020 plan” said Frédéric Gagey, chairman and chief executive of Air France.